Then and now, five years on' is the theme for this year's awards and with this theme in mind, hopeful candidates have demonstrated continued growth and development over the last five years in order for their application to be considered. The judging panel includes bfa President Sir Bernard Ingham, bfa Director General Brian Smart, HSBC Head of Franchising Cathryn Hayes, Express Newspapers Business Advertising Manager Yvette Taylor, Farrah Rose from Howarth Franchising and John Chambers from Chambers & Co. "This year the entries were of exceptional quality," says Brian, "and all of the finalists should be proud to reach this stage." The eight finalists describe their achievements over the last five years:

Autosmart International

Vehicle cleaning product manufacturer and supplier Autosmart International has a UK network in excess of 100 franchisees delivering cleaning materials to a wide market of trade customers, ranging from road hauliers to car dealerships. "I am thrilled that Autosmart's commitment to franchising and manufacturing has been recognised by the bfa," says Franchising Manager Steve Tulk. "In the last five years Autosmart has grown five times faster than the previous five years, which is due to a simple refocusing on Autosmart's core business strengths. The level of franchisee support that the company offers has increased, with a typical franchisee getting 36 days of field-based support in their first year.

"Autosmart has also focused less on new product sectors and more on selling by demonstration and in planning sales days really well. Working together in this way has really made a big difference - not only to Autosmart, but to its franchisees across the UK."

Driver Hire Group Services

Nestled in a growing market worth in the region of £2.6 billion, Driver Hire is a supplier of temporary and permanent staff to transport and logistic companies and has 109 UK offices and over 4,000 drivers. This is the fourth time Driver Hire has been a finalist for the award, including winning it in 2006. Managing Director Chris Chidley says: "Over the last five years Driver Hire has seen significant development in terms of size, growth and sophistication. Last year the company had a record turnover of £77 million. Since 2004 the company has branched out from local to national accounts increasing revenue by £12 million. The company has launched new products, a new website and transformed into a one-stop solution for logistics recruitment supplying a variety of drivers and warehouse staff."

Oscar Pet Foods

Franchising since 1993, pet food and accessories manufacturer and supplier Oscar Pet Foods has been shortlisted for its successful re-launch over the last five years that includes a design overhaul, change of ownership and better support and representation for its franchisees. Sales & Marketing Manager Richard Dancy comments: "To be a finalist for the award is a fantastic achievement for the company, it is a true testimony to the hard work of all those involved in its re-launch. The new team managing the business have invested more into new technology to turn the franchise into an almost paperless environment. Franchisee support is greater with the addition of an online forum and through the franchisee advisory group, which involves representative franchisees from regions across the UK meeting on a quarterly basis to discuss ideas and future developments. This ensures cross-network participation."

Pirtek UK

Established in Australia in 1980 and the UK in 1988, onsite hydraulic hose replacement specialist Pirtek has over 90 centres in the UK and Republic of Ireland supported by 400 mobile service workshops. "I am proud that Pirtek is a finalist for the bfa Franchisor of the Year Award," explains Business Development Director, Alistair Wiggins. "Five years ago Pirtek did not have a credible IT system and customer paperwork and invoicing took a long time. Although Pirtek Mobile Service and Sales Technicians got to site within an hour and completed the customer repair to a high standard, Pirtek systems did not complement the excellent service in the field.

"Since 2003 Pirtek has invested in a £6 million new IT system while continuing to invest in franchisee support and training. The IT system was implemented with ongoing input from our franchise network. With the new system, administration time has been cut dramatically. Pirtek has sought to create a paperless environment with invoices emailed directly to clients within 15 minutes of job completion, so there are fewer invoice disputes and the payment cycle has been cut improving cash flow for franchisees."

Prontaprint

Recognised by the brand council as a Business Superbrand for the sixth consecutive year, design and print-on-demand specialist Prontaprint has been franchising its concept since 1973. Prontaprint's Head of Marketing Keith Davidson feels the company is in good stead to win because of "the rigorous overhaul of visual identity that has taken place over the last five years, with a £3 million brand repositioning programme and the continual development of business services and operating standards."

Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs

Established in 1993 Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs offers dietary advice and exercise in the same class. It currently has a UK network of over 180 franchisees and this is the third time the company has been a finalist for the bfa Franchisor of the Year Award, which it won in 2002 and 2005.

Rosemary Conley CBE says: "I am delighted that the company is a finalist for the bfa Franchisor of the Year Award for the third time. Over the last five years the company has moved forward significantly to satisfy demand as a result of increasing obesity levels in the UK. A close association with Primary Care Trusts has been established and the company now has a dedicated NHS Liaison Manager. To help tackle childhood obesity the company has also introduced programmes for children over 10."

TaxAssist Accountants

Small business accountancy and tax advisers TaxAssist Accountants was established in 1995 and has been franchising since 1996. To date the company has over 160 accountants nationwide with 62 shop-front premises. "I am excited that the company has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award," says Business Development Director Sarah Robertson. "The TaxAssist Accountants concept has evolved extremely well over the last five years and I hope that the company wins the award in recognition of this growth."

Urban Planters

Business-to-business interior landscape provider Urban Planters was established in 1964 and has been franchising since 1996, delivering real and replica plant displays to workplaces and other venues such as shopping malls. Five years ago the company was a subsidiary of a Yorkshire-based company with a small franchisee network that competed for national accounts with the parent company. In 2004, four franchisees purchased the company and with a Franchise Director have helped the business excel, generating a £4.5 million turnover.

Operations Director Dave Gouldney says: "To get to this stage alone is a reward after the company was purchased in 2004. The company has been re-branded with a new logo, uniforms and van livery and has improved its training package and marketing materials. The transformation has helped increase revenue from national account projects from just under £50,000 to a staggering £650,000."

Full details of the award winners will be announced on www.thefranchisemagazine.net website on the 23rd of May 2008.

The bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards has two other categories selected by its sponsors Express Newspapers and HSBC. The Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year Award acknowledges applicants who have added value to their brand over the last 12 months. Contenders for the award are Dream Doors, MOLLY MAID and Venture UK.

Dream Doors Franchise Recruitment Manager Alex Waite says: "Since 2007 Dream Doors has opened seven new showrooms, increased brand exposure and improved support, with franchisees offered business coaching courses on different topics to ensure brand values are maintained."

MOLLY MAID's Chief Executive Pam Bader OBE comments: "In the last year MOLLY MAID has partnered with some major supermarkets and brands, including, Tesco, Fairy, Morrison's, Cillit Bang and Dettol. These national cross promotions have given MOLLY MAID the opportunity to reach over 16 million potential customers. Through these national activities that include 9 million flyers, over 300 branded cars and the hard work of Franchise Owners, MOLLY MAID increased its turnover by 15.5 per cent to £12 million in 2007. MOLLY MAID's market leading status combined with these results is testament to the fact that the brand is leading the way in the domestic cleaning industry in the UK."

Venture UK's Marketing Director Paul Goldstein says: "Venture has challenged conventional photography. Its marketing communications have seen a continuation of this challenging approach. Through innovative communication and the 'Every Venture Tells a Story' campaign, Venture has succeeded in delivering the benefits of creativity, passion and personalisation to its target audience."

The HSBC Enterprise Award recognises businesses that have used creative business strategies or found success where others have failed. The finalists for this award are Gas-Elec Safety Systems, Revive! Auto Innovations UK and O2 UK.

Gas-Elec Safety Systems Group Director Carol Otway says: "Through regular market surveys Gas-Elec is able to determine clients requirements. The company has recently implemented seven initiatives including the launch of a fantastic new 24/7 emergency cover product - 'One-call plus!' Another initiative introduced is a centralised billing facility. This saves franchisees' time as all billing, credit control and money collection is done on their behalf."

Revive! Auto Innovations UK Managing Director Mark Llewellyn says: "What differentiates Revive! from its competitors is the fact the company plans to keep its franchisee network small and offers a management style franchise with every franchisee operating four or five vans. By doing this the company can ensure there are no gaps in the individual territories for other companies to take away custom."

O2 was established in 2002 and began franchising in 2005. Since then the mobile phone retailer's network has expanded to over 478 stores, 68 of which are franchised.

Text: Jess Sturman